When can I start earning money?
This is what the Law says:

At 13 you can start some jobs
(but this is limited).

You can only do what is called 'light work' and there are restrictions. These are for your own good to protect you from being asked to work long hours for very little pay.

• You can't work before 7am and after 7pm.
• You can't work during school hours.
• You can't work more than 2 hours on a school day.
• You can't work more than 1 hour before school starts.
• You can only work for 2 hours on a Sunday.

At 14 you can work:

• Up to 5 hours on a Saturday or any day in the school holidays.
• Up to 2 hours on a Sunday.
• On a market stall IF employed by your parents who must have a licence from the local authority.

And you must have:

• A rest break of 1 hour if you work for more than 4 hours at once.
• A 2 week break during the year - and in your holiday time.

At 15 and over until school leaving age you can work:

• Up to 8 hours on a Saturday or any day in the school holidays.
• Up to 2 hours on a Sunday.

And you must have:

• A rest break of 1 hour if you work for more than 4 hours at once.
• A 2 week break during the year - and in your holiday time.

What work can you NOT do?

• Working in the kitchen of a café, food outlet, etc.
• Working in a cinema or theatre.
• Working in a nightclub.
• Delivering milk in glass containers.
• Collecting money at people's houses.